TCO's environmental labelling of displays
Low emissions Meets the TCO guidelines for electromagnetic fields. Meets the TCO guidelines for electromagnetic fields (the same requirements as for TCO'92). Meets the TCO guidelines for electromagnetic fields (the same requirements as for TCO Õ92 and TCO Õ95, but the measurement methods have been revised, in practice meaning stricter requirements). Meets the TCO guidelines for electromagnetic fields (the same requirements as for TCO'99)
Energy efficiency The display goes into an energy-saving mode when it is not being used. The display goes into an energy-saving mode when it is not being used (the same requirements as for TCO'92). The display goes into an energy-saving mode when it is not being used (more severe requirements than for TCO'92 and TCO'95). The display goes into an energy-saving mode when it is not being actively used (the same requirements as for TCO'99 but a change in the requirement will take place during 2003).
Electrical and fire safety Meets the European standard requirements. Meets the European standard requirements (the same requirements as for TCO'92). Meets the European standard requirements (the same requirements as for TCO'92 and TCO'95). Meets the European standard requirements (same requirements as for TCO'92, TCO'95 and TCO'99).
Ergonomics Image quality meets high visual ergonomics requirements; lines and geometric shapes are represented correctly, the display has sufficient brightness, sufficient contrast between characters/graphics and the background, the display shall be perceived as sufficiently stable and flicker-free (75 Hz refresh). These requirements go far beyond the ISO 9241 international standard. Image quality requirements tightened compared to TCO'95, e.g. requirements for good colour rendition, luminance and freedom from flicker (85 Hz). Special requirements on flat screen display luminance and such angle of view-related characteristics as contrast. The display has reduced disturbance of the image stability when exposed to external magnetic fields. Dark framing of the screen not permitted. These requirements go far beyond the ISO 9241 international standard. Compared with TCO'99 the requirements for luminance, luminance evenness, angular dependence, image clarity, and good colour rendering have been tightened. The requirement for an even gray scale has been introduced to ensure good colour rendition. Requirements for colour rendition and a height adjustment function have been introduced for flat panel displays. The colour requirements for the display bezel (frame) have been tightened. This means that the TCO'99 requirement that the bezel should not be dark has been extended with a prohibition on using the whitest types of bezel. These requirements goes far beyond the ISO 9241 international standard.
Ecology The plastic housing and plastic parts that weigh more than 25 grams do not contain any brominated or chlorinated flame retardants. No freons (CFC or HCFC) have been used in manufacturing or assembly. Cadmium and mercury are not present in the product, although a certain amount of mercury may still be present in the background illumination for flat screens, in which case the amount must be reported. All plastic parts weighing more than 25 grams shall be labelled to facilitate recycling. More severe requirements than in TCO'95 in that products must be manufactured for easy recycling. All plastic parts that weigh more than 100 grams must be made of the same type of plastic. The plastic housing must not contain any kind of metal. The manufacturer must have signed an agreement with at least one company that recycles electronic components to deal with scrap computers, displays and keyboards. The manufacturer must be ISO 14001 certified or EMAS registered. The main difference compared with TCO'99 is that requirements concerning lead in batteries, paint, lacquer, plastics and cabling have been introduced. Backlighting in flat panel displays contains mercury, which is one reason for the introduction of the requirement that the lighting shall be easy to remove in connection with recycling. By making the lighting easier to dismantle, it also becomes easier to replace it with new components, which prolongs the life of the display. The manufacturer shall inform the end-user if the display can be recycled. The manufacturer must be ISO 14001-certified or EMAS-registered.